Public Library Association National Conference - PLA 2028
Event Date
March 13–15, 2028
Location
San Francisco, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Public Library Association (PLA) Conference is widely billed as the largest public library event in the world, bringing together thousands of public library workers, advocates, and vendors for an intensive opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. The three-day event features over 100 educational sessions, awe-inspiring speakers, bestselling authors, networking opportunities, and an exhibits hall with vendors offering the best library products and solutions.
Offered biennially, the PLA Conference is the premier event for public libraries, drawing thousands of library workers, advocates, and vendors from across the country and around the world. Attendees range from front-line library staff and youth-services specialists to directors, trustees, and library-adjacent professionals. Please note that it is a professional event and, per PLA, is not open to the general public.
The conference is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals, in collaboration with its parent organization, the American Library Association. The next edition, PLA 2028, will be held March 13–15, 2028, in San Francisco, CA, making it a key destination for anyone shaping the future of public libraries.
Show Highlights
PLA conferences are known for a rich mix of programming and marquee moments. Recurring highlights include:
- 100+ educational sessions covering hands-on programming ideas and big-picture strategy for libraries of all sizes.
- General Sessions featuring high-profile keynote speakers. At PLA 2026, opening-session speakers included Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson.
- Bestselling authors and publisher events, including book signings on the exhibits floor.
- An extensive exhibits hall with vendors showcasing library products, technology, and solutions.
- Networking receptions, a Career Center, and signature features such as the How-To Stage, Hot Takes, and library tours of the host city.
- A Virtual Conference option for those who cannot attend in person.
Specific PLA 2028 speakers and sessions will be announced closer to the event; the call for program proposals is expected to open in early 2027.
Attendance
PLA is described by its organizers as the largest public library event in the world. PLA welcomed more than 6,400 public library workers, supporters, and vendors from across the country and around the world to the PLA 2026 Conference in Minneapolis. As of that show's opening day, total registration was 6,359, including 150 PLA scholarship recipients and 404 who chose the virtual conference option, while 286 exhibitor companies and their 1,555 exhibit staffers were at the show. Attendance figures specific to PLA 2028 have not yet been published.
Registration
Registration for the PLA 2028 Conference is not yet open. According to PLA, registration for the PLA 2028 Conference will open in fall 2027; interested attendees can sign up to receive an email notification when it opens. Registration typically includes full-conference passes as well as a separate Virtual Conference option.
For exhibitors and sponsors, PLA directs inquiries to its exhibits team. For information about exhibit opportunities, contact the exhibits team at Corcoran Expositions at 312-265-9644 or pla@corcexpo.com.
History
The PLA Conference is the flagship national event of the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association. Offered biennially, it is the premier event for public libraries, drawing thousands of library workers, advocates, and vendors from across the country and around the world. Recent editions include PLA 2024 and PLA 2026, which was held April 1–3, 2026, in Minneapolis, MN, and drew more than 6,400 attendees. The upcoming PLA 2028 Conference will take place March 13–15, 2028, in San Francisco, CA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the PLA 2028 Conference?
The PLA 2028 Conference will be held March 13–15, 2028, in San Francisco, California. The specific venue had not yet been officially named by the organizer at the time of writing.
Who should attend the PLA Conference?
The conference is designed for public library workers, advocates, leaders, and vendors from across the country and around the world. It is a professional event and is not open to the general public.
How do I register for PLA 2028?
Registration for the PLA 2028 Conference is scheduled to open in fall 2027. You can sign up through the official PLA conference website to receive an email notification when registration opens.
What can I expect at the conference?
PLA offers over 100 educational sessions, notable keynote speakers, bestselling authors, networking opportunities, and an exhibits hall featuring library products and solutions. A Virtual Conference option is also typically available.
How do exhibitors get involved?
Companies interested in exhibiting or sponsoring can contact PLA's exhibits team at Corcoran Expositions by phone at 312-265-9644 or by email at pla@corcexpo.com.
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